Place and Setting in Poetry
As writers of poetry, I believe we have the opportunity to allow readers to travel places they have never been, to revisit places that are familiar or to share experiences they may never have, thus evoking memories or heightening awareness.
Today, I’d like to consider how we, as poets (or writers of prose) use setting or a sense of place as a poetic device:
• Setting as CHARACTER:
There are a number of examples in fiction in which a setting assumes the importance of a character. A few that come to mind for me include Thornfield Manor in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, the two mansions in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, the California Central Valley in John Steinbeck’s East of Eden and The Grapes of Wrath, the Monterey Peninsula in his novel Cannery Row, and the Long Island Sound in F. Scott’s Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
In the world of poetry, Dylan Thomas gives us a glimpse of himself as a child in his poem Fern Hill, in which he describes his childhood visits to his Aunt Annie’s farm in Carmarthenshire:
Fern Hill
Now as I was young and easy under the apple boughs
About the lilting house and happy as the grass was green,
The night above the dingle starry,
Time let me hail and climb
Golden in the heydays of his eyes,
And honoured among wagons I was prince of the apple towns
And once below a time I lordly had the trees and leaves
Trail with daisies and barley
Down the rivers of the windfall light.
And as I was green and carefree, famous among the barns
About the happy yard and singing as the farm was home,
In the sun that is young once only,
Time let me play and be
Golden in the mercy of his means,
And green and golden I was huntsman and herdsman, the calves
Sang to my horn, the foxes on the hills barked clear and cold,
And the sabbath rang slowly
In the pebbles of the holy streams.
All the sun long it was running, it was lovely, the hay
Fields high as the house, the tunes from the chimneys, it was air
And playing, lovely and watery
And fire green as grass.
And nightly under the simple stars
As I rode to sleep the owls were bearing the farm away,
All the moon long I heard, blessed among stables, the nightjars
Flying with the ricks, and the horses
Flashing into the dark.
And then to awake, and the farm, like a wanderer white
With the dew, come back, the cock on his shoulder: it was all
Shining, it was Adam and maiden,
The sky gathered again
And the sun grew round that very day.
So it must have been after the birth of the simple light
In the first, spinning place, the spellbound horses walking warm
Out of the whinnying green stable
On to the fields of praise.
And honoured among foxes and pheasants by the gay house
Under the new made clouds and happy as the heart was long,
In the sun born over and over,
I ran my heedless ways,
My wishes raced through the house high hay
And nothing I cared, at my sky blue trades, that time allows
In all his tuneful turning so few and such morning songs
Before the children green and golden
Follow him out of grace.
Nothing I cared, in the lamb white days, that time would
take me
Up to the swallow thronged loft by the shadow of my hand,
In the moon that is always rising,
Nor that riding to sleep
I should hear him fly with the high fields
And wake to the farm forever fled from the childless land.
Oh as I was young and easy in the mercy of his means,
Time held me green and dying
Though I sang in my chains like the sea.
Dylan Thomas, 1945
Setting as MOOD or ATMOSPHERE:
Setting can also be a means of creating atmosphere. In this regard, it helps me to consider the visual art of cinema. Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and Steven King’s The Shining both feature isolated locations, contrasts of light and darkness, as well as weather, to create a sense of eeriness, even horror. Compare these to the movie Under the Tuscan Skies in which sunshine and vineyards, a crumbling (then restored) villa, and sweeping countryside set the scene for a story of independence, love and freedom.
In the world of poetry, the Russian poet, Anna Akhmatova, created an atmosphere of grief and hopelessness in her poem, Requiem, which recounts the years of Yezhov’s terror when she spent each day in prison lines in Leningrad with hundreds of other women, all of whom awaited news of loved ones who were political prisoners. There was never a response from prison officials, only the notification of an execution or condemnation to a labor camp in Siberia. Here’s a short excerpt of that poem’s dedication:
Requiem
Mountains bend before that grief,
The great river does not stream,
But the bolts of jails are heavy and strong,
And behind them there are “dungeon holes”,
Deadly sadness and mortal pain.
Tender breezes blow for someone else;
Someone else is pampered by gentle sunset;
We know nothing; we are the same…
Excerpt “Requiem” 1957
Setting as CULTURE
Poetry about place can also give a glimpse into the culture of a particular place or take us back in time to another era.
John McCrae’s poem In Flander’s Field transports us to burial grounds of WWI soldiers who were killed in action, while Carl Sandburg’s Chicago offers a detailed glimpse into the city of Chicago and its personality in the early 1920’s.
Setting as an IMMERSION IN NATURE
So many poems gift us with an escape into the world of nature. Consider a just few of these poets: Kipling, Frost, Wordsworth, Wittman, Millay, Hopkins, Lowell, Kenyon, Basho…the list goes on an on. If this were a book and we weren’t anxious to get on with the prompt, I would love to share more examples.
Your Setting TOOL KIT
A number of the tools we already turn to are especially relevant in creating a sense of place. Here are just a few of them:
- Awareness of detail: use the five senses
- Turn to simile and metaphor
- That oft-repeated adage: Show, don’t tell
- Incorporate cadence, rhythm, sound
For today’s prompt, I invite you to write a poem that focuses of one of the roles that setting plays in Poetry: setting as a character, setting that creates a mood, a sense of place that highlights the culture of a country or people or epoch, setting as an escape into nature. Other ideas include place as a story or a projection into the future and setting as a travelogue. Take us somewhere new, if you please.
Many of us write with a great awareness of place. For this week, I challenge you to come up with something new if you have the time. If not, we welcome whatever you choose to share.
To participate:
• Write your poem;
• Post it on your website or blog;
• Access Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post and add your name and the direct URL of your post as indicated;
• Come back to the pub and visit the works of your fellow pub-crawlers, especially those who have taken the time to comment on your work.
• Have fun.
Here’s an idea: take a few moments to add links to some of your favorite place poems by well-known authors in the comment section of this post. And how about inviting another poet-blogger who may not be familiar with dVerse to join us at the Pub?!
For dVerse Poet’s Pub Meeting the Bar, I’m Victoria C. Slotto.
On a personal note, I’d like to invite you to an on-line book launch for my novel, Winter is Past that will take place July 8th and 9th on my Facebook Author Page (Victoria C. Slotto, Author) and Website. Several randomly selected participants will have a chance to win either a signed print copy or e-book 100%-off coupon for the novel. I hope you’ll be able to make it and ask you to spread the word to your followers and fellow bloggers. Thank you.
Photo Credits: To the best of my knowledge all photos are my property, in the public domain or available for free use via Wikipedia. No copyright infringement is intended and any image will be removed if requested. vcs
ihatepoetry said:
I’m first? What, is everyone on vacation? Well, for those of you playing along, here’s my poem about a place.
claudia said:
i was on a business trip..but back now and ready to hit the trail…smiles
Gay Reiser Cannon said:
Hi Victoria – Thank you so much for the topic. I have something in mind that I’m investigating. We’ll see if it manages to become a poem. Loved the article and the poems you included. Very well written and a lot of good advice about writing any poem. I’ll see what I can do in the time I have. You always do such a fine job of hosting. Many thanks. Gay
aprille said:
Hiya Victoria,
So many possibilities with this complex and fascinating prompt.
It is the ‘somewhere new’ that I may have interpreted the wrong way.
I took it as somewhere slightly different from nature as in the above examples.
Really wanted to go back in my mind’s store of images, but thought that might be too esoteric. Wish I could submit two for this one, but stuck with the train.
So impressed with the variation of prompts. Thank you.
Victoria C. Slotto said:
If you want to submit 2, aprille, go ahead. I won’t say anything if you don’t. :0)
vivinfrance said:
Aprille, I couldn’t find a way to comment on your post. Been there, done that 🙂 In France at my reduced-ticket age, first class is only pennies dearer, and well worth it for the peace of mind! Your stanza
“money talks
a lot
pity its language
is so poverty-stricken”
is standout wisdom for me – it should be carved into the wall beside the door of every bank.
brian miller said:
haha buddah, i got hung up at work…this prompt is a lot of fun victoria…so much you can do with setting the scnene and the way you describe it surely set the tone of the piece…or even contrast…
hedgewitch said:
Really an excellent, thoughtful prompt, Victoria–I love your examples, and the depth you’ve gone into to make us think about the power of place. I don’t know if I’ll be able to write anything new for this but will at least try to find something to honor your labors. ;_)
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Confession time: I didn’t have time to write anything new, either, so posted an old one. Maybe later. :0>
hedgewitch said:
Thanks for reassuring me, Victoria. Too good a prompt to miss though, so I’ve found one of my very favorites for this, even if it is old…and I think it fits. Won’t be able to read until tomorrow–see you then.
claudia said:
a very cool prompt victoria..enjoyed your examples and def. leaves wide open space for writing in different directions…
Laurie Kolp said:
How exciting… congratulations on your new book, Vivtoria. Thanks, too, for the prompt!
Daydreamertoo said:
Great prompt Victoria. I put a link to your blog on my post. Congratulations on the book!
ladynyo said:
What a wonderful prompt,Victoria! I am really impressed with the examples, dizzy with delight at what you have formed here.
I am submitting “Olsen’s Pond”, perhaps because I think it might adhere to more than one device, perhaps ‘place’ and ‘atmosphere’?
Thank you so much. This will be fun!
Lady Nyo
claudia said:
your piece brought tears to my eyes jane..
John (@bookdreamer) said:
Was writing this poem when up popped the RSS Reader bong that dVerse had posted and it looked like a match!
Victoria C. Slotto said:
I want to encourage everyone to read the full text of “Requiem.” It’s in ten parts and so evocative. The river plays a significant role.
charityv said:
Wonderful prompt Victoria. I too was surprised to have made it in the first 10, it does seem like a slow prompt as pointed out by Mosk. Great reads already!
claudia said:
i enjoyed your piece immensely…thanks for taking us with you on that train ride..
claudia said:
ok…was a long day for me…off to bed and be back in the morning…
Myrna said:
Nice what you’ve written to inspire writing about setting. I’m entering but not sure if I really comply with the prompt. Did try, but …best I can do today.
tashtoo said:
I was on course! GRRR! Learning how to measure houses AGAIN…thus making me late to the party AGAIN…in order for it to be termed continuing education, should you not have to learn something “NEW”…sorry…I’m venting…I’ll save it for my “mood” Love the prompt Victoria…and considering I’m in desperate need for escape, it couldn’t be more fitting. Now…where do I want to take you?
Chazinator said:
Okay, I published. It’s a bit of an ironic piece, given the theme for the night. There are places beyond the physical, perhaps! 🙂
Chazinator said:
Great prompt Victoria. Lovely examples and excellent analysis. Thank you for hosting this and putting it up.
charlesmashburn said:
Well, here I am again. And, as usual, I don’t know if I’ve submitted something that meets the rules of the prompt, but–also as usual–I hope you enjoy it anyway!
Joseph Hesch said:
Thank you for this great prompt, Victoria! Outside of the heart (these days) “place” is what I do!!! Let me get to the joyous work! 🙂 xo
Victoria C. Slotto said:
So far, I’m delighted with everyone’s work and all the places I’m getting to go. No such thing as late as long as the link is still up..and my theory is, if I’ve responded and the link has closed, then post it for OLN! Have fun, all.
Sherry Blue Sky said:
Hi kids, came to see what’s up and realized I had already written a poem about place about as well as I likely ever will again………great challenge!
Glenn Buttkus said:
Gathering readers and commenters on our poetics is like rolling dice on a blanket in the alley. Sometimes I am early with my submissions, and there are very few bites; sometimes I’m coming in late and the levy breaks with comments. But hey, reading the work of others is what it is about. You intro was well written, giving us many options. The Thursday challenges always are great fun!
brian miller said:
well….i think we have a good group here…of the 25, i have commented on each…and 23 out of 25 commented back….those are some pretty darn good odds….great piece yourself tonight man…love the mountains…
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Smiles.
yoga-adan said:
victoria,
i want so much just to write something to honor your prompt but just can’t get a handle with so much going on; but wanted you to know what a pleasure of learning and plain simple reading your prompt of place has been for me
and best wishes on your new novel, will have to “check it out” 😉
brian miller said:
hang in there man…
punnypalaver said:
two of my favorites tonight: Dylan Thomas and Akhmatova–great prompt! Hope I’ve prompted properly! congrats on your new novel!!!
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thanks, Filipe…I hope things calm down for you. Now: deeeeep breath!
Rallentanda said:
Congratulations on your novel Victoria.
ManicDdaily said:
Victoria, I loved this prompt. It led me to write actually a few different draft poems. I’ve gone with the one that takes the prompt in the oddest direction. (Sorry.) But it was thoughtful and lovely, and the Akhmatova (and I’m sure I’m spelling it wrong was especially moving to me) though they are all great poems, as well as your commentary.
Also, anyone reading this comment should get Victoria’s book! It is very thoughtful and wonderful, just as she is. k.
ManicDdaily said:
By “it” being thoughtful and lovely – I mean the prompt not my poem! Ha. k.
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thanks for the heads up on the novel, Karin. :0) And I’d add …yours are fun, wonderful reads as well.
vivinfrance said:
A great post, Victoria – some wonderful examples and helpful hints at the end. I am having a self-imposed three-day pause from writing poetry, but your post is so inspiring that I may have to break it. A sense of place is often at the heart of my writing, so this task is right up my street!
David King said:
So many ways to go, so many places knocking at the door. Great prompt.
hobgoblin2011 said:
Great prompt Victoria. Always loved the way setting can take on a life of it’s own when done in such inspired manners. Love the write-up and thanks for hosting tonight.
Polly Robinson said:
What a great prompt, thanks Victoria – wish I could write something new but can’t manage that just now so have sent my sunflower to cheer us all up 🙂
Arjan Tupan said:
I chose to share my poem of yesterday. The setting was very important in its creation: on a plane descending through the clouds.
Great prompt!
brian miller said:
good morning sir….just watched you step in…smiles…
hope everyone is having a great day…driving some kids up to cap this morning, not my own, but just as fun….so grabbing the over nights and will check in again after lunch…
Lydia said:
Absolutely beautiful prompt! I had never read that poem by Dylan Thomas before, and will treasure it from here on.
Brian Carlin said:
A challenge that’s close to my heart… I’ve posted a piece I wrote a wee while ago which combines the local dialect with a dig at one of Scotland’s ugliest town centres, hope you like.
claudia said:
nice…made it back to the pub..and just reading a bit.. listening to mary poppins while sipping poetry…Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious…hehe…nice…
Semaphore / Samuel Peralta said:
Loved the article, Victoria – place is an under-emphasized aspect of poetry, and it’s good to bring some awareness to it.
I also loved the poems you chose, from two of my favourite poets. In my post-graduate days in Wales I lived in a house only a short walk away from where Dylan Thomas once lived. It was great living in a town that celebrated poetry, going into a pub and being asked to recite poetry!
And… congratulations on the novel! I’m still being defeated by mine; I so admire the discipline and stamina it takes to complete one. Best of luck with it… I’ll be there cheering for sure!
Jay Landarj said:
Thanks ~ I love the associations of poets with places. I was born in the village in Scotland most associated with Robert Louis Stevenson and I enjoy the link!
she writes said:
This is a challenge I am willing to take and did. Thank you.
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thanks everyone who commented and joined in. I had a wonderful time reading the responses and am off to read the rest. You’re the best!
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Dylan Quinnell said:
I missed the boat on this one while I was traveling. I thought I’d put a link to the poem I would’ve posted anyway, Tuscan Romance, which was inspired by a great day trip through Tuscany in 2011 and really draws from this idea of place setting.
http://dqpoetry.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/tuscan-romance.html
As usual, thanks for the prompt!